The African telecom industry is bracing itself for a significant talent deficit, with a projected shortage of 300,000 qualified professionals by 2025. This alarming trend is attributed to the rapid growth of the sector, which has outpaced the availability of skilled workers. The industry, a major employer of labor in Africa, has been experiencing a significant job deficit for years, and this latest projection raises concerns about its future sustainability.

A recent report compiled data from multiple sources, including salary surveys from major telecom recruitment firms, HR departments of telecom operators, and online platforms. The study reveals that telecom salaries in Africa vary greatly across countries, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and other key markets exhibiting distinct salary structures.

In Nigeria, for instance, the average salary for telecom professionals ranges from ₦155,000 ($96.63) to ₦575,000 ($358.46) per month, depending on the role, experience level, and company size. MTN Nigeria, one of the largest operators, offers higher salaries, with some employees earning over ₦1 million monthly. The cost of living in Nigeria, particularly in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, is factored into the telecom industry pay.

In South Africa, the average telecommunications industry salary is around R330,000 ($17,519.60) per year, with entry positions starting at approximately R216,000 ($11,467.38) and experienced employees earning as high as R988,000 ($52,452.62) annually. The cost of living in South Africa differs by city, with major urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town having higher costs of living.

Kenya's telecom sector, driven by its developed technology and high mobile penetration, offers a wide range of opportunities. The majority of workers in telecommunications engineering earn a monthly salary between Ksh 50,955 ($393.28) to Ksh 145,586 ($1,123.65), with technicians earning an average salary of Ksh 122,500 ($945.47). In Egypt, the average telecom salary for an engineer is around EGP 365,410 ($7,170.73) yearly, while consultants earn approximately EGP 284,324 ($5,579.52) per year.

Outside these major countries, the telecommunications industry's pay in Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania is also attractive. In Ghana, the average telecom job salary falls between 2,185 GHS ($147.64) and 8,583 GHS ($579.93) per month. Meanwhile, Morocco telecoms pay around 280,684 MAD ($30,228.82) yearly. In Tanzania, the salary range for employees ranges from 579,248 TZS ($215.53) to 2,221,127 TZS ($826.47) monthly.

The report also highlights the importance of education and certifications in determining telecom salaries in Africa. Higher levels of education and relevant certifications, such as those offered by Cisco or in cybersecurity, can significantly boost earning potential. Furthermore, company type and size play a significant role in salary variations, with major multinational operators, local telecommunications companies, equipment vendors, and infrastructure providers offering different compensation packages.

To maximize their earning potential, professionals in the African telecom industry are advised to research salary benchmarks, highlight their unique skills and certifications, and negotiate the total package, including performance bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. As the industry continues to grow, professionals who are well-informed about market trends, possess the necessary skills, and approach their career with strategic planning will find themselves well-positioned to succeed.

The looming talent deficit and salary disparities in Africa's telecom industry underscore the need for stakeholders to invest in training and development programs, as well as competitive compensation packages, to attract and retain top talent. By doing so, the industry can ensure its sustainability and continued growth in the face of increasing demand for digital services.